Power Converter Airflow Partition Layout for Balanced Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power conversion devices face decreased cooling performance due to unbalanced air flow, leading to increased installation area requirements and potential cooling inefficiencies, as seen in existing configurations with multiple air channels and fan arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A power conversion device with a partition member that divides the units into two groups, each with its own air channel, and fan units on the upper surface to direct airflow efficiently without increasing the housing's installation area, ensuring balanced cooling performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple air channels are provided for stacked units, then cooling performance improves, but air flow becomes unbalanced depending on position
Solution Approach 1:
The housing internal space is segmented into multiple air channels (first air channel, second air channel, third air channel) that are spatially separated and distributed. Each air channel serves specific units, ensuring that cooling air is distributed evenly across different positions rather than creating unbalanced flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
Different air channels are configured with different structures and positions to match the local cooling needs of specific units. The first air channel has a different configuration than the second and third air channels, allowing each region to receive appropriately balanced air flow based on its position and heat generation characteristics.
2Area of stationary object
If units are arranged in vertical stacking, then installation area is reduced, but air flow balance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal arrangement to vertical stacking arrangement of units within the housing, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal installation footprint. Multiple air channels are simultaneously configured at different vertical levels and horizontal positions to maintain air flow balance despite the compact vertical arrangement.
3Length of moving object
If air channels are arranged side by side, then housing length increases, but cooling efficiency is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air channels are nested within the housing internal space in a compact configuration. The first air channel, second air channel, and third air channel are arranged to utilize three-dimensional space efficiently, with channels positioned at different levels and orientations, rather than simply extending the housing length horizontally.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration improves cooling performance for stacked units without expanding the housing's installation area, preventing air flow imbalances and maintaining efficient heat dissipation.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the units incorporates a fan. The fan introduces air into a corresponding unit of the units and discharges the introduced air toward the space portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A partition member is disposed in a space portion between a rear surface of a housing and outer surfaces of a plurality of units. A first partition portion is disposed in a boundary portion between two units adjacent to each other in a vertical direction and extends in a right-left direction. A second partition portion and a third partition portion each are connected to a corresponding one of both ends of the first partition portion in the right-left direction and extend toward the upper surface. Air discharged from a first unit group located above the first partition portion is guided to flow through a first air channel to the upper surface. Air discharged from a second unit group located below the first partition portion is guided to flow through a second air channel to the upper surface.